My work sometimes takes me into abandoned buildings where my task is to research and record the building before it’s gone… and disappears forever. A fellow architectural historian has described it as “writing obituaries for buildings.”
This parlor is in one such building, a Federal style tidewater farmhouse I visited yesterday. These abandoned buildings often seem to retain a sense of the lives lived in them, and sometimes have ample evidence of the people who have vandalized and abused them as well.
In another community, one committed to preserving its history and character, it could be saved and restored. In this place, it will be lost. The right person with vision and resources might have saved it had they come along at the right time, but that time is past and the fate of the house is sealed. Fortunately, there is a plan to have an architectural salvage company remove elements like this wonderful paneled wall and mantle to be reused elsewhere.
These lost buildings were part of my motivation to write Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners – to help potential restorers see the possibilities and be inspired to take on saving historic houses in their own communities.
The 720-page award-winning and best-selling hardcover book is available in bookstores and from online retailers (it is currently 34% off on Amazon! http://ow.ly/Uumq50zRjJ5).
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author on this site, click here: https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Bookstores can order copies from W.W. Norton.
Follow Restoring Your Historic House on Facebook or Instagram for more old house images, information, and inspiration!
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #homerestoration #houserestoration #vintagehome #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation